Malawians head to the polls on Tuesday in an election pitting President Lazarus Chakwera against his predecessor, Peter Mutharika, with sky-high inflation and fuel shortages likely to be at the top of voters minds.
Another 15 candidates, including former President Joyce Banda, are also contesting the presidency, but analysts expect a two-horse race between Chakwera, 70, and Mutharika, 85. If no one secures over 50 of the vote, there will be a second round.
Malawi has faced economic stagnation since former pastor, Chakwera, was elected in 2020, with a devastating cyclone and a regional drought wiping out crops and worsening hardship. Inflation has been over 20 for more than 3 years.